Saturday, October 3, 2009

I have been really busy - I didn't realize how busy, until I was through with all I had to get done and then I didn't know what to do with myself. So here I am!

I have been volunteering on Fridays for the Raptor Free Flight program at The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. It has got to be one of the coolest things I've ever done. The people are all incredibly nice and the birds are amazing. I'm sure I will be posting more on the subject as the season progresses and we start handling the birds more. So far my favorites are the Barn Owls and the Chihuahuan Ravens. I will absolutely be drawing a barn owl soon!

My Pygmy Owl drawing was juried in to an art exhibition at Sundust Gallery which opens Saturday, October 9th in Mesa Arizona.

I have been drawing these little hummingbirds for an upcoming show at the Tubac Center of the Arts, It is a holiday exhibition of small works called " Little Treasures". I will find out on the 16th of Oct. if they are juried in. I added a touch of iridescent powder to these for the color, which is perfect for the hummers beautiful little iridescent feathers. I hope they take them, I love going to Tubac."Nesting" 5 1/2" x 8" "Out on a Limb" 4" x 7 1/4""Play Time" 5 1/2" x 8" "Resting Place" 5 " x 8"

Thank you Grahame, and Sheona as well. These were so much fu to do, I can honestly say this was the most fun I've had drawing in a while and I think I will keep going with the theme - I will do some other birds as well.

And yes, Sheona a believe that less is more definitely applies here. Thank you so much!! By the way, Your horse is absolutely magnificent I keep going back to your page and staring at it. It is one of those exceptional pieces that stands out among all others, bravo!!!!

Thank you Eric, Funny I was just looking at your paintings on Picasaweb and when I came back you had just left a comment! Thank you, and may I say your paintings are beautiful, I especially like the wolves!!

Hi Jennie. I have a silly question (or two). First, when you do the graphite wash, what kind of media do you use? I use bristol with graphite myself, but have not tried the wash on this. 2nd, did you draw the paper edge or is that the actual paper edge?

Hi Kerrie - Hope all is well, we need to have another outing, maybe the zoo this time??

Whether I'm using the liquid graphite or just pencils, I always use 300 lb. hot press watercolor paper. I like it because it is really heavy and you can beat it up without it ripping etc. I also like the slight tooth on it. I have tried using washes on bristol and it works good-It usually comes out darker than on WC paper.

I like to tear my edges and float them in my frames. So yes they are torn not drawn! I had to do a little photoshopping on them because they looked bad in my photos.

I love your birds, the composition is so delicate and simple but very eye catching. I have enjoyed reading about your graphite wash, I use 2 ply Rising Museum Board to draw on and I am going to give it a try.

Jennie, thank you so much for your kind comments about Sami's portrait. It's funny, I've often struggled with backgrounds myself, (although it's getting better) so your compliments are very much appreciated.

I adore your hummers! Such sweet little birds...I have them here all summer. I'm working on an 18 x 24" painting of one, and it's been interesting making such a tiny bird so big! :-)

Jennie Norris

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